Rockstar Mentor

Are you planning on an open studios and not too sure where to get started, no problem!  Today's question comes from Ben from San Francisco, CA.

Ben asks "I am a guest artist at my city’s annual Open Studio in the fall, this is my first time doing this, what is needed to prepare?" 

Thank you Ben for your question and PERFECT timing and congratulations!

This episode includes 10 top wins for a successful open studios. Please go to http://RockstarMentor.com

to view the detailed top 10 items along with the detailed show notes. You may also download the freebie I have prepared for you, the Basic Exhibitor Toolkit on the website in the "Cool Tools" area.

For the full summary of these show notes visit me at http://rockstarmentor.com/blog

Please visit my website to sign up and be on the forefront of important information and free downloads  that I have prepared. http://rockstarmentor.com

To learn more about me, my art and colorful product line, visit Sonya Paz through my art website, SonyaPaz.com

I am also pleased to announce that we have a new sponsor! "The Brush Guys" they can be located at thebrushguys.com they offer the best in all things brushes for all mediums and amazing specials on art supplies.  Save 5% on your online order, use promocode: ROCKSTAR

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Brushing up on your customer experience or customer service skills is essential.

I have seen many times where you get better customer service shopping online and you do when you're shopping inside a brick-and-mortar retail establishment - because you at the very least get a "Thank You" . This episode is touching on simple methods to brighten up your skills with customer interface and interaction This episode focuses on the way that you present yourself as not only an artist but as a business person and how you interface with the customer.

Picture this as a big sandwich the top bun is your meet and greet, the bottom bun is thanking the customer for their purchase and all of the flavorful and substance between the bun is the main gradient, the flavors, sauces, spices of how you made that customer feel.

Think of this as the first date and you were there to make the ultimate great impression, most importantly you want your potential collector to know trust and like you not only as an artist but as a person they can relate to.

The formal approach is not bad, sometimes too casual does not allow you to be taken seriously. This is your time to shine. The conversation is a 2 way street, ask them about where they're from, are they local, are they traveling from out of town?

Basic information also includes following up with customers and building your list. The fortune is in the follow up and personal thank you notes is a the ultimate win!
 
For the full summary of these show notes visit me at http://rockstarmentor.com/blog

Please visit our website to sign up and be on the forefront of important information and free downloads that I have prepared. http://rockstarmentor.com

I'm Tweeting! Visit me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/crushitmentor

To learn more about me, my art and colorful product line, visit Sonya Paz through my art website, http://SonyaPaz.com

I am also pleased to announce that we have a sponsor! "The Brush Guys" they can be located at http://thebrushguys.com they offer the best in all things brushes for all mediums and amazing specials on art supplies. Save 5% on your online order, use promocode: ROCKSTAR

A special thanks to John Lee Dumas with http://EOFire.com for all of the support for all of my podcasting logistics and education and for the great audio bumper!

Last but certainly not least... HUGE thanks to Andrew Paz of AMP Audio Lab for his amazing vocal skills on my intro and outro along with editing these Rockstar Mentor podcasts - you ROCK!!!

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what do I use to create such amazing prints of my artwork? Today's question comes from Carolyn from Chicago, Illinois.

Carolyn's asks "Sonya I've been a follower and collector of your art since 2003 and I love the vibrant use of your colors, and whenever I have purchased original art and prints I'm amazed at how your prints turn out with the colors so vivid and capturing your detail. Do you mind if I ask what type of printer you use and what kind of camera you've used to get your results?"

First of all wow, thank you Carolyn for not only collecting my work but for listening into the podcast and asking this great question!

I am a technogeek and it's no surprise to anyone that I hoard printers. I do, I love Epson printers and I happen to have around 7 in my possession presently to which 2 are longer working anymore….. HA!

I have been photographing my art for several years and have honed in my skills are so that I don't have to go back and tweak too much of anything,  I have used a number of different cameras to photograph my work and we most of everything with this in the studio. I have master files of everything and from this master files we create templates for the different sizes of prints that we will be doing. We print up to 14 inch wide in house and anything outside of that I have a professional printer who will reproduce the larger formatted prints.

I suggest for anybody who is new to printing in-house start off slowly, it is a commitment and there is a learning curve if you are not used to it.
I have a digital imaging background so that made it easier for me, but some artists want to create and don't want to have to worry about being there own manufacturer. I would suggest find someone

in your area who can take photos of your artwork and print them for you so that you could do the color checking.

There are several online manufacturers that will create prints from your photos but if you don't have a quality masterfile, your prints will be jeopardized.  You can Google the different Epson printers that I have noted, most of these are now discontinued, however you may find something online that is refurbished that might be cost-effective solution for you. I know either artist use printers like Cannon, Kodak, HP and Brother but for me I am in Epson girl!

I will say that you should ALWAYS photograph your work for documentation purposes and keep a database or spreadsheet to properly document your work, regardless if you are creating prints or products. Be sure to include the title, date created, size, medium, file name, location or other archival information you feel important.
 
So many thanks to Carolyn from Chicago who has written in and asked us this awesome technical question, I love questions like this where I can geek out and talk about the technical aspects of the art business!  I have been asked about printing images of artists work over the last couple of weeks, we will go into a more in-depth episode in the nest future to address more technical and specific details on this process.

I hope that this question in my expertise in answering this question will bring some value to you.

Here is the link for Mike Chambers at Picture Element in San Jose, CA
  
For the full summary of these show notes visit me at http://rockstarmentor.com/blog

Please visit my website to sign up and be on the forefront of important information and free downloads  that I have prepared. http://rockstarmentor.com

To learn more about me, my art and colorful product line, visit Sonya Paz through my art website, SonyaPaz.com

I am also pleased to announce that we have a new sponsor!

Support the show

Today I want to talk a little bit about this podcast and how it can help benefit you as an artist, that you may be in right now in your life. When I am passionate about a topic I like to talk about it, I like to talk about it A LOT and often times throughout the years
I've been asked about how I've marketed myself and how I have built my brand Sonya Paz.

When I am passionate about a topic I like to talk about it, I like to talk about it A LOT and often times throughout the years I've been asked about how I've marketed myself and how I have built my brand Sonya Paz.

This episode delves into podcasts and individuals who have been inspiring and beneficial to me as an new podcaster. What styles of podcast are there and who do they benefit and what purpose do they serve for creative people.

RESOURCES:
John Lee Dumas & Kate Erickson
EOFire.com

The Real Brian
Profitcast as well as Podcasters Paradise

Jason Michael
Wyze Guy radio

Natasha Wescoat
Art Schooled

Esther Ludlow
Once Upon a Crime

Marc Mawhinney
Natural Born Coaches

One of my burning questions... when you're listening to this podcasts what are you doing? Please write in and let me know!

For the full summary of these show notes visit me at http://rockstarmentor.com/blog

Please visit my website to sign up and be on the forefront of important information and free downloads that I have prepared. http://rockstarmentor.com

To learn more about me, my art and colorful product line, visit Sonya Paz through my art website, http://SonyaPaz.com.

I am also pleased to announce that we have a new sponsor! "The Brush Guys" they can be located at thebrushguys.com they offer the best in all things brushes for all mediums and amazing specials on art supplies. Save 5% on your online order, use promocode: ROCKSTAR

A special thanks to John Lee Dumas with EOFire.com for all of the support for all of my podcasting logistics and education and for the great audio bumper!

Last but certainly not least... HUGE thanks to Andrew Paz of AMP Audio Lab for his amazing vocal skills on my intro and outro along with editing these Rockstar Mentor podcasts - you ROCK!!!

Support the show

It's Fan Mail Friday (aka FMF) and we had a question from Robert from Maui writes in and asks, "Hi Sonya, I live in an area where Art is abundant and there is a huge market for Hawaiian themed works, The target market is tourism. I often get asked what my website is, I don't have a website. I don't want to get a website because I'm afraid that my work will be copied or knocked off. What are your thoughts on this?”

This is a great question and we are going to be having interviews with some artist friends of mine who have dealt with people copying their work, I answer this question and advise the pros and ideals with building your brand with website presence.

For the full summary of notes visit me at http://rockstarmentor.com/blog

Visit my website to sign up and be on the forefront of important information and free downloads that I have prepared for you. http://rockstarmentor.com

To learn more about me, my art and products, visit Sonya Paz through my art website, http://SonyaPaz.com.

I am also pleased to announce that we have a new sponsor! "The Brush Guys" they can be located at http://thebrushguys.com they offer the best in all things brushes for all mediums and amazing specials on art supplies.  Save 5% on your online order, use promocode: ROCKSTAR

A special thanks to John Lee Dumas with EOFire.com for all of the support for all of my podcasting logistics and education and for the great audio bumper!

Last but certainly not least... HUGE thanks to Andrew Paz of AMP Audio Lab for his amazing vocal skills on my intro and outro along with editing these Rockstar Mentor podcasts - you ROCK!!!

Support the show

Pretty much everything in my life has been a goal and a passion and overcoming obstacles. Now as I had mentioned I'm not the tallest or the strongest by way of physical stature so trying to climb a 10 foot wall may appear hard and as much as I would try and I would practice if there were still challenges.

However, I was determined to find a way that I could achieve these obstacles by using common sense and by using the areas of strength that were available to me.  Believing in myself and mentally preparing myself to overcome fears and obstacles was a huge game changer.

Now, I know a lot of artists find a lot of obstacles off the bat automatically, it's pretty much a given, they're worried that their work is not going to be good enough they worried that people say terrible things about their work they worry about not being taken seriously as well as the obstacle of letting go of something that they’ve created and that they are passionate about and that their heart and soul is into it and now you're considering parting with the piece because you want to make a career out of your art business.

It’s working on these fears that will empower you.

Another example is when I started doing these podcasts, I knew it was audio and I knew that I would have to have my voice out there recorded for listening. And as much as I have done public speaking that never seem to bother me because I didn't have to “listen to myself” over and over. When  it comes to video I can truly say that I hate watching myself being videotaped, I don't like the fact that I rolled my eyes a lot, I don't like the fact that I get animated and I start looking as though I belong in a cartoon, because when I get a little nervous I tend to rattle on a little bit. I have been interviewed and have been videotaped and most of the time I don't even watch them more than halfway

through because it's something in me that I get a terribly paralyzed with fear. (GAWD!!!)

For me personally I gave myself a challenge, I've reflected upon myself at the end of 2015 to what can I do differently in 2016 that will truly take me out of my comfort zone.
Actually doing this podcast and be recorded vs. being videotaped and having to be documented this way.

It’s the technology of it, not my content…. Now, I will tell you that I know my stuff, I know this business and I'm pretty dang fearless… you give me a project to do artistically in my style with my tools in my environment and surroundings, and I will rock it and if you tell me that I can't do something I will tell you how I have I'm going to do it and then I will show you how I've completed it.

For the full summary of notes visit me at http://rockstarmentor.com/blog

Visit my website to sign up and be on the forefront of important information and free downloads that I

have prepared for you. http://rockstarmentor.com

To learn more about me, my art and colorful product line, visit Sonya Paz through my art website, SonyaPaz.com.

I am also pleased to announce that we have a new sponsor! "The Brush Guys" they can be located at thebrushguys.com they offer the best in all things brushes for all mediums and amazing specials on art supplies.  Save 5% on your online order, use promocode: ROCKSTAR

A special thanks to John Lee Dumas with EOFire.com for all of the support for all of my podcasting logistics and education and for the great audio bumper!

......Last but certainly not least... HUGE thanks to Andrew Paz of AMP Audio Lab for his amazing vocal skills on my intro and outro along with editing these Rockstar Mentor podcasts - he totally ROCKS!!!

Support the show

It's Fan Mail Friday! We have a question from Janet in Bend, Oregon who writes:

"HI Sonya, I am so excited that I discovered your podcast last week, I was referred to you from my friend Michael.  You mentioned about starting my own art group if I cannot seem to locate a group that has the artsy feel and vibe I am trying to achieve. What are the cost associated with this –any advice on this would be great. I love what you are doing – looking forward to more sessions and I am subscribing for sure. Thank you, Janet R.

My response: Art groups are free or low cost  to do, you can organize these and meet at a local coffee shop or your own studio. Facebook is a great way to get your art group in your area, Start networking with other artists and get awareness by word of mouth, Facebook also offers private groups. Another way to get awareness is to use Meetup.com, they have the right tools online to get your group started and publicized. They do have a fee for their service, but occasionally they have deals and it might be worth looking into.

For the full summary of notes visit me at http://rockstarmentor.com/blog

Visit my website to sign up and be on the forefront of important information and free downloads that I have prepared for you. http://rockstarmentor.com

To learn more about me, my art and products, visit Sonya Paz through my art website, http://SonyaPaz.com.

We have a new sponsor! The Brush Guys can be located at thebrushguys.com they offer the best in all things brushes for all mediums and amazing specials on art supplies. Save 5% on your online order by using promocode: ROCKSTAR

Support the show

Today we are going to touch on attitude vs. gratitude and the element of conducting your demeanor and outlook when you exhibit at outdoor art shows, tradeshows, conventions etc. Since this is such a passionate topic. I think this episode will also allow me to give you a little bit of a sneak peek into my no messing around, no BS personality.

I “shoot from the hip” with my direct communication and delivery … of course, while still remaining friendly, adding humor and sass but my message to you is 100% perfectly clear. The power of a positive mindset is such a powerful element to your success.

I am providing you with 6 tips on how to have a successful exhibiting experience.
For the full summary of notes visit me at http://rockstarmentor.com/blog

Visit my website to sign up and be on the forefront of important information and free downloads that I have prepared for you. http://rockstarmentor.com

To learn more about me, my art and products, visit Sonya Paz through my art website, SonyaPaz.com.

Support the show

This is the fan Mail Friday segment of the show and we have a question from Bella in Scottsdale, Arizona. She asks about how to get started with doing commissions for customers. We touch on some hot topics for creating a special artwork for your customer and also we touch on the business of this and point out the basics, timeframes, deposits, contracts, following up. Be a pro and be a rockstar and
get your business hat on and be a pro at doing commissions. I have a freebie download on the website which is a "Where do I start with commissions?" guide for you to keep the momentum up and stay organized.

Visit my website to sign up and be on the forefront of important information and free downloads that I have prepared for you. http://rockstarmentor.com

To learn more about me, my art and products, visit Sonya Paz through my art website, http://SonyaPaz.com.

Support the show

This enlightening episode is going to focus on the building of your brand by focusing on using your  name and how to reazlize the benefits of making your name the centerpiece of your brand.

When I started my painting career back in the mid 90s again, after not having painted for several  years, I went with a funky name something that I thought would represent The wild and wacky side of my artwork, something catchy... well... sometimes "catchy" is not the beast route to go.... listen in to  hear my journey as an artist and some of my beginning brand "faux pas" and the success of bringing on my "A" game and using my name. Part of the brand creation process is building upon your true identity,  not only as an artist but as a true creative person. This episode is one that envelopes humor, true grit, laughter and truth.

Visit my website to sign up and be on the forefront of important information and free downloads that I have prepared for you. http://rockstarmentor.com

To learn more about me, my art and products, visit Sonya Paz through my art website, http://SonyaPaz.com.

Support the show